redpepper Loc: Central NY

Hi,

In researching 70-200 or 70-300mm looms, I just don't know which brand I should go with. I own a Canon 60D and my walk around lens is the Sigma 17-50 2.8. I really like Sigmas Ex glass, but there have been mixed reviews on their telephotos. I live in central NY where most of the outside conditions are cloudy or even snow in the Fall. My boys are in track & field where there's only one season indoors.

So here's my dilemna..I'm a petite woman and can't handle a big/heavy lens. Most of the lenses out there for my shooting situation require a 2.8 max aperture. These are heavy and bulky lenses. Should I go for a light weight Canon 70-300 4-5.6 with IS and pp for exposure in LR? Thanks so much.

dasloaf

You need to go get the 70-200mmF2.8 and a good monopod! I have taken indoor sport pictures for years and found this to be the lens of choice. I use the non image stabilization version and it is lighter and cheaper! With the monopod, it takes the weight off you and makes IS not needed!

dasloaf

By the way, rent one before you buy and try it out. Lens Giant has different versions of lens and they have monopods, too.
Try one out

Designerfin Loc: Utah, USA

IS will not help with moving subjects, only camera movement, so I say you are better off with the faster lenses and faster shutter speeds. I have tried an IS lens vs. fast lens shooting basketball and volleyball and really appreciate the faster lens. I also set 800 or 1600 ISO indoors. 8-)

Edmojo Loc: Manhattan New York

I purchased the Sigma 70-200 F 2.8 , took some getting used to but now love the images. This has OS and is 1000 less than the Nikon or Cannon.
The Nikon was rated very slightly shaper but not a 1000 dollars shaper!

Ed

ace-mt Loc: Montana

In my opinion, you need to go with the 2.8 . It seems like every event I shoot runs into night. For what it's worth I love my Sigma (non IS).

ole sarg Loc: south florida

In shooting action I always liked freedom of movement. Thus no tripod or monopod. I used a 135mm and hand hold.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Get the fast glass with a good monopod.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Get fast glass leave the monopod at home.

Michael O' Loc: Midwest right now

My 2 bits worth. I shot the Chicago Fire Pro soccer team matches in Soldier Field (and other lesser leagues in the area) with a Gitzo G1560
monopod with 2 Canon EOS 3 bodies mounted upon a round crossbar upon he mono, each locked upon a quick detachable mounting, one on each side of the bar to enable balance and easy simultaneous use. I mounted a 600mm f4 on the right and a 70-200 f 2.8 on the left. The photographers' line is nearly on each goal line, and I sat upon my wheeled carpenter's gear box on he NW corner of the field and could cover the far goal area with the 600 (about 18 yard coverage width) and swing to cover the near goal area with the short zoom 70-200. Thus could cover the entire field without moving, and did not take up undue space from my fellow shooters. Could not have used those 2 lenses , each on a separate tripod.
Can't TELL you what you'll need, but try to use the widest lens you can to enable the best light-gathering capability, and a "long" lens, and preferably a shorter lens for the close-ups you will want to capture. If
you use support, suggest you make it a mono for ease of use and light weight. Use what you have until you can afford to get what you really need -- which only you can determine. Better to acquire slowly, but get lenses you won't have to lose on by trading in for what you wanted in the first place. Shoot some amateur leagues and teams and sell some shots to parents and participants (old timers, etc.) in order to build up a kitty for lens purchases. Good luck and have fun with your rig. Michael O'